Michael and Karen Toulmin took out the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year award at the event held at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre in Hastings and organised by the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society on Tuesday evening.
Awards chairman Grant Charteris said judges across all categories noted the strong contingent of high-calibre entrants this year.
Charteris said he encouraged all entrants who were not on the stage to stick to their goals and plans and continue to put their names forward in the coming years.
“The 2024 entrants are all achieving at an extremely high level and contributing to the Hawke’s Bay primary sector.”
Elisha Milmine, general manager of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society, said it was fantastic to be able to hold the awards again this year with a full room of industry, growers, farmers, professionals and dignitaries celebrating the region’s talent.
“These awards are a highlight of our year, as they are for many others in the region. They bring industry together and recognise those who have innovated, led, supported and achieved,” Milmine said.
“The Primary Sector Awards exist both to honour the commitment, passion and talent that is present across the food, fibre and primary sector here in Hawke’s Bay and to showcase that talent to the world.”
Hawke’s Bay primary sector awards: Full list of winners
Horticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year - Ben James
Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Farm Forester of the Year - Thomas Gordon
Heretaunga Hastings District Council Primary Sector Industry Leader of the Year - John Loughlin
Unison Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Professional of the Year - Brent Paterson
Craigs Investment Partners Hawke’s Bay Emerging Leader - Jack Jensen
Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Innovation Award - Metris
Lawson Robinson Hawke’s Bay Scholarship - Guy von Dadelszen
Rural Directions Hawke’s Bay Shepherd of the Year - To be announced at the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year Field Day in May (date to be confirmed)